Holden town meeting backs Mountview School project, 615-11

Voters at a special town meeting Monday night overwhelmingly supported the proposed Mountview School Building project, moving it forward to a ballot vote on Thursday.

The project, which would cost $54.3 million, is to rebuild a new middle school directly behind the nearly 50-year-old current building. The state has committed to reimburse 50.4 percent of the cost.

After a presentation on the proposed project, selectmen, the Finance Committee and the Wachusett Regional School District committee all voiced their support for the new school.

Several residents also spoke in favor of the project. William Allison said if the project fails, renovation at the school will be necessary.

“And you can’t exceed 30 percent of the assessed value without having to do a full project,” Mr. Allison said. “The assessed value is about $7 million, and 30 percent is just over $2 million, and $2 million gets you nothing.”

Resident and Mountview teacher Bill Turgeon urged support for the project.

“The costs will increase, but reimbursement will go down,” he said of the alternative to rebuilding.

The 615-11 town meeting vote authorized the town to borrow the money for the project. On Thursday, voters will head to the polls to vote whether to increase taxes to cover the cost of the borrowing. The project must be approved at the ballot box to move forward.